Rico Dowdle's 2024 Projections & Outlook
Scoring
#46 Running Back
114.9 Projected Points
ADP |
Rush Atts |
Rush Yds |
Rush TDs |
100 |
Fum |
Rec |
Rec Yds |
Rec TDs |
11.8 |
117.5 |
493.5 |
2.96 |
0 |
0 |
23.9 |
187.6 |
0.86 |
DS 3D Projections
Bottom Line
Dowdle popped in a couple of games last year, including a 79-yard, 1-TD outing against the Giants.
Overall, his fantasy impact proved minuscule.
We’ll see if Dallas adds another RB ahead of Week 1. But as of now, Zeke Elliott represents a passable roadblock for 2024.
Given Elliott’s career arc and Dallas’ strong offense, Dowdle could eventually pay off as a later-round stash.
What We Learned Last Year
- Dowdle re-signed on a one-year, $950K contract in March.
- Zeke Elliott’s departure allowed Dowdle to handle RB2 duties behind Tony Pollard.
- Still, that afforded only 89 carries across 16 games. Despite Pollard’s down season, he appeared in all 17 games.
- Dowdle missed one contest with an ankle injury. That issue appeared on the injury report in several other weeks.
- In the small sample, his advanced metrics paint the picture of an average RB.
- Among 53 RBs with 80+ carries, Dowdle ranked 23rd in EPA per rush, 30th in yards per carry, 12th in yards after contact per attempt, and 38th in success rate.
- He flashed as a pass-catcher with 17-144-2 -- good for 8.5 yards per catch.
What to Expect in 2024
- Dowdle re-signed on a one-year, $1.225 million deal.
- Dallas allowed Tony Pollard to walk to the Titans.
- His absence removes 252 carries and 67 targets.
- The Cowboys brought back Ezekiel Elliott on a one-year deal worth $2 million guaranteed. He’s coming off an uninspiring season in New England.
- Among 36 RBs with 150+ carries, Elliott ranked 28th in EPA per rush, 34th in yards per carry, 31st in yards after contact per attempt, and 34th in success rate.
- HC Mike McCarthy called this backfield a “running back by committee” in May. Elliott is the likely leader, despite his recent play and advanced RB age (29).
- Dallas passed on adding a RB in the 2024 draft. Beyond Elliott, Dowdle’s main competition figures to come from veteran Royce Freeman, who brings little in the receiving game.
- Dallas’ offensive infastructure remains ideal for the running game, given the presence of Dak Prescott and a WR1 alpha in CeeDee Lamb.
- Two new starters will show up along the O-line, including Round 1 OT Tyler Guyton. Overall, it’s not a unit we’re worried about.
- Last year, the Cowboys ranked fourth in run-block win rate.